Air conditioner with solar cell

ABSTRACT

Provided is an air conditioner with a solar cell. The air conditioner includes a solar cell panel that can be switched to one of a first disposition where a power generation region of the solar cell panel is exposed to the sun and a second disposition where the power generation region is not exposed to the sun. Therefore, the power generation region of the solar cell panel can be protected from external environments.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner including a solarcell capable of converting solar energy into electric energy.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, an air conditioner is an apparatus configured to heat andcool an indoor area through a refrigerant cycle ofcompression-condensation-expansion-evaporation.

Such an air conditioner includes an indoor unit where a refrigerantexchanges heat with indoor air, and an outdoor unit where therefrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air. The indoor unit includes anindoor heat exchanger where the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoorair, a fan configured to blow indoor air, and a motor configured torotate the fan. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchangerwhere the refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air, a fan configuredto blow outdoor air, a motor configured to rotate the fan, a compressorconfigured to compress the refrigerant, an expansion part configured toexpand the refrigerant, and a four-way valve configured to charge theflow direction of the refrigerant.

When an indoor area is cooled, the indoor heat exchanger is used as anevaporator, and the outdoor unit is used as a condenser. When the indoorarea is heated, the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, andthe outdoor unit is used as an evaporator. Switching between cooling andheating modes is carried out by changing the flow direction of therefrigerant by using the four-way valve.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Embodiments provide an air conditioner including a solar cell panel thelight-receiving area of which can be varied.

Solution to Problem

In one embodiment, there is provided an air conditioner with a solarcell, the air conditioner including: an outdoor unit configured toexchange heat with outdoor air; and a solar cell panel disposed at aside of the outdoor unit and including a plurality of parts that arerelatively movable, the plurality of parts including power generationregions configured to generate electricity from solar light, wherein asthe plurality of parts are moved relatively to each other, areas of thepower generation regions exposed to the sun are varied.

In another embodiment, there is provided an air conditioner with a solarcell, the air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit configured toexchange heat with outdoor air; and a solar cell panel connected to theoutdoor unit and comprising a power generation region configured togenerate electricity from solar light, the solar cell panel beingselectively switched to one of a first disposition where the powergeneration region is exposed to the sun and a second disposition wherethe power generation region is not exposed to the sun.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present embodiments, the power generation capacity ofthe solar cell panel can be varied, and the solar cell panel can bedisposed in a smaller space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a minimum light-receivingpower generation operation of an air conditioner including a solar cellaccording to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating flows of a refrigerant in the airconditioner including the solar cell according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a maximum light-receivingpower generation operation of the air conditioner including the solarcell according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a minimum light-receivingpower generation operation of an air conditioner including a solar cellaccording to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the minimum light-receiving powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a maximum light-receivingpower generation operation of the air conditioner including the solarcell according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the maximum light-receiving powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a solar power generationoperation of an air conditioner including a solar cell according to athird embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating the solar power generation operationof the air conditioner including the solar cell according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a stop of the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the stop of the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a solar power generationoperation of an air conditioner including a solar cell according to afourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the solar power generation operationof the air conditioner including the solar cell according to the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a stop of the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a solar power generationoperation of an air conditioner including a solar cell according to afifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the solar power generation operationof the air conditioner including the solar cell according to the fifthembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a stop of the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating the stop of the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the fifth embodiment.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferredembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments maybe utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, andchemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certaininformation known to those skilled in the art. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a minimum light-receivingpower generation operation of an air conditioner including a solar cellaccording to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a view illustrating flows ofa refrigerant in the air conditioner including the solar cell accordingto the first embodiment; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating amaximum light-receiving power generation operation of the airconditioner including the solar cell according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air conditioner 1 is equipped with asolar cell. The air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 10 configuredto exchange heat with outdoor air, a solar cell panel 22 configured togenerate electricity from solar light, and a plurality of panelconnection parts 23 configured to connect the solar cell panel 22 to theoutdoor unit 10.

The outdoor unit 10 may be connected to an indoor unit 11 which changesheat with indoor air and to refrigerant conduits 104, so that indoor airconditioning can be performed.

In addition, the air conditioner 1 may include: a compressor 101configured to compress a refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger 111 inwhich the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air; an expansion part103 configured to expand the refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger 102in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air; andrefrigerant conduits 104 used to sequentially connect the compressor101, the indoor heat exchanger 111, the expansion part 103, and theoutdoor heat exchanger 102. As a refrigeration cycle is repeated bycirculating the refrigerant sequentially or reversely through thecompressor 101, the indoor heat exchanger 111, the expansion part 103,and the outdoor heat exchanger 102, indoor air cooling or heating, thatis, air conditioning can be performed.

Here, the compressor 101, the outdoor heat exchanger 102, and theexpansion part 103 are disposed in the outdoor unit 10, and the indoorheat exchanger 111 is disposed in the indoor unit 11. Alternatively, twoexpansion parts 103 may be disposed in the outdoor unit 10 and theindoor unit 11, respectively, and the expansion parts 103 may beselectively used according to the flow direction of the refrigerant.

A discharge outlet 100 may be formed in the front side of the outdoorunit 10 to discharge outdoor air, and a discharge grill 106 may bedisposed on the discharge outlet 100 to prevent introduction of foreignparticles into the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor heat exchanger 102, anoutdoor fan 107 configured to blow outdoor air toward the outdoor heatexchanger 102, and a fan motor 108 may be disposed in the outdoor unit10. In addition, the compressor 101 may be disposed in the outdoor unit10.

The solar cell panel 22 includes a solar battery capable of generatingelectricity by using solar light. A minimum unit of the solar batterymay be referred to as a cell. That is, the solar cell panel 22 is anassembly of a plurality of solar cells 224.

In detail, the solar cell panel 22 may include the solar cells 224, aglass attached to the front sides of the solar cells 224, and a backsheet attached to the rear sides of the solar cells 224. The solar cellpanel 22 may further include: an infrared reflection film disposedbetween the solar cells 224 and the glass; a reflection film provided atthe back sheet; and a refraction film disposed between the solar cells224 and the back sheet.

In the solar cell panel 22, a region where the solar cells 224 areexposed through the glass may be defined as a power generation region223, and the other region such as a side opposite to the side where theglass is attached may be defined as a power non-generation region. Thatis, when solar light is incident on the solar cells 224, electricity isgenerated in the power generation region 223 but not generated in thepower non-generation region.

The solar cell panel 22 is disposed on the topside of the outdoor unit10. In detail, the solar cell panel 22 may be disposed on the topside ofthe outdoor unit 10 in a manner such that the panel connection parts 23are connected to the topside of the outdoor unit 10 and the solar cellpanel 22 is connected to the panel connection parts 23.

The solar cell panel 22 includes first and second parts 221 and 222 thatare slidably connected to each other. In detail, the first part 221 ofthe solar cell panel 22 is exposed to the outside, and the second part222 is disposed at a position lower than the position of the first part221 and is slidable in parallel with the first part 221. In this case,the first part 221 and the second part 222 include power generationregions 223, respectively. The power generation regions 223 of the firstpart 221 and the second part 222 are located on the topside of the firstpart 221 and the topside of the second part 222, respectively.Therefore, the power generation region 223 of the first part 221 mayalways be exposed to the sun, and the power generation region 223 of thesecond part 222 may be at the rear side of the first part 221 or beexposed to the sun if the second part 222 is slid away from the firstpart 221. That is, according to the sliding of the first and secondparts 221 and 222, the light-receiving area of the solar cell panel 22can be varied. That is, a varying area of the power generation region223 of the solar cell panel 22 can be exposed to the sun.

The panel connection parts 23 are fixed to the topside of the outdoorunit 10, and in this state, the panel connection parts 23 supports thefirst and second parts 221 and 222 in a manner such that the first andsecond parts 221 and 222 can slide relative to each other. In moredetail, the panel connection parts 23 include guide parts 231 to guidemovements of the first and second parts 221 and 222. The guide parts 231are disposed on upper ends of the panel connection parts 23 at apredetermined oblique angle. The guide parts 231 include guide grooves232 to guide the first and second parts 221 and 222 in a manner suchthat the first and second parts 221 and 222 can be moved back and forthrelative to each other in an inclined direction. The guide grooves 232are formed in lateral inner sides of the guide parts 231 so that bothlateral ends of the first and second parts 221 and 222 can beaccommodated in the guide grooves 232. Front and rear ends of the guidegrooves 232 are opened so that the first and second parts 221 and 222can be extended from and retracted into the guide grooves 232 in a statewhere the first and second parts 221 and 222 are accommodated in theguide grooves 232.

The guide parts 231 may further include stoppers to limit slidingmotions of the first and second parts 221 and 222 so that the first andsecond parts 221 and 222 cannot be detached from the guide parts 231.

In the air conditioner 1, the light-receiving area of the solar cellpanel 22 can be varied according to the necessary amount of powergeneration. For example, if the necessary amount of power generation isrelatively small like the case of a minimum light-receiving powergeneration operation, the first and second parts 221 and 222 may be slidto each other to block the power generation region 223 of the secondpart 222 and expose only the power generation region 223 of the firstpart 221 to the sun. On the other hand, if the necessary amount of powergeneration is relatively large like the case of a maximumlight-receiving power generation operation, the first and second parts221 and 222 may be slid away from each other to expose both the powergeneration regions 223 of the first and second parts 221 and 222.

Furthermore, in the case where the necessary amount of power generationis relatively small, the solar cell panel 22 may occupy less spacebecause the first and second parts 221 and 222 are slid to each other.

Hereinafter, an explanation will be given of an air conditionerincluding a solar cell according to a second embodiment with referenceto the accompanying drawings. Unlike the first embodiment, in thecurrent embodiment, a plurality of parts of a solar cell panel areconfigured to be folded by rotating the plurality of parts so that thelight-receiving area of the solar cell panel can be varied. In thecurrent embodiment, the same elements as those of the first embodimentwill not be described again.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a minimum light-receivingpower generation operation of an air conditioner including a solar cellaccording to a second embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a side view illustratingthe minimum light-receiving power generation operation of the airconditioner including the solar cell according to the second embodiment.FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a maximum light-receivingpower generation operation of the air conditioner including the solarcell according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a side viewillustrating the maximum light-receiving power generation operation ofthe air conditioner including the solar cell according to the secondembodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, a solar cell panel 34 of the currentembodiment includes a plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343. The parts341, 342, and 343 are rotatably connected to each other so that theparts 341, 342, and 343 can be folded.

In detail, the solar cell panel 34 includes a first part 341 that can beselectively placed on the topside of an outdoor unit 10, a second part342 rotatably connected to a rear end of the first part 341, and a thirdpart 343 rotatably connected to a front end of the second part 342.

In more detail, the first part 341 is the lowermost one of the pluralityof parts 341, 342, and 343 and is selectively placed on the topside ofthe outdoor unit 10 as the plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343 arefolded or extended. The second part 342 is rotatably hinged on a rearupper end of the first part 341 so that the second part 342 can befolded to a front upper side of the first part 341. The third part 343is rotatably hinged on a front upper end of the second part 342 so thatthe third part 343 can be folded to a rear upper side of the second part342. In addition, the third part 343 is the uppermost one of theplurality of parts 341, 342, and 343. The third part 343 is exposed tothe sun regardless whether the plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343 arefolded or extended.

The plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343 may be connected to each otherthrough electric wires so that electricity generated in the plurality ofparts 341, 342, and 343 can be transmitted.

Panel connection parts 35 include: first connection parts 351 rotatablyconnected to lateral front ends of the outdoor unit 10 and lateral frontends of the first part 341; second connection parts 352 rotatablyconnected to lateral rear ends of the outdoor unit 10 and lateral frontends of the second part 342; and third connection parts 353 rotatablyconnected to lateral sides of the second connection parts 352 andlateral rear ends of the third part 343.

Five-bar linkages are formed by the outdoor unit 10, the firstconnection parts 351, the first part 341, the second part 342, and thesecond connection parts 352. The first and second parts 341 and 342 maybe folded so that power generation regions 344 of the first and secondparts 341 and 342 can face each other. Four-bar linkages are formed bythe third connection parts 353, the third part 343, the second part 342,and the second connection parts 352. The second and third parts 342 and343 may be folded so that power generation regions 344 of the second andthird parts 342 and 343 can face each other.

That is, the solar cell panel 34 can be folded so that only the thirdpart 343 of the plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343 can be exposed tothe sun. In addition, the solar cell panel 34 can be extended so thatall the power generation regions 344 of the plurality of parts 341, 342,and 343 can be exposed to the sun.

The solar cell panel 34 further includes a support part 345 so that thepower generation region 344 of the third part 343 can be positioned at apredetermined angle when the plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343 arefolded. According to the predetermined angle of the third part 343 whenthe plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343 are folded, the shape of thesupport part 345 may be determined. For example, if the third part 343is inclined forward at an angle of 45, the sectional shape of thesupport part 345 may be an isosceles right triangle shape. The supportpart 345 may be disposed on at least one of the rear surfaces of thesecond and third parts 342 and 343.

In the air conditioner, the light-receiving area of the solar cell panel34 can be varied according to the necessary amount of power generation.For example, if the necessary amount of power generation is relativelysmall like the case of a minimum light-receiving power generationoperation, the plurality of parts 341, 342 and 343 may be folded toexpose only the power generation region 344 of the third part 343 to thesun. That is, in the minimum light-receiving power generation operation,the first and second parts 341 and 342 may be rotated and folded so thatthe power generation regions 344 of the first and second parts 341 and342 cannot be exposed. On the other hand, if the necessary amount ofpower generation is relatively great like the case of a maximumlight-receiving power generation operation, the plurality of parts 341,342 and 343 may be extended to expose all the power generation regions344 of the plurality of parts 341, 342 and 343 to the sun.

Furthermore, in the case where the necessary amount of power generationis relatively small, the solar cell panel 34 may occupy less spacebecause the plurality of parts 341, 342, and 343 are folded.

Hereinafter, an explanation will be given of an air conditionerincluding a solar cell according to a third embodiment with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Unlike the first embodiment, in the currentembodiment, a solar cell panel can be switched between a firstdisposition in which the solar cell panel can be operated and a seconddisposition in which the solar cell panel can be protected, according tothe necessity of power generation. In the current embodiment, the sameelements as those of the first embodiment will not be described again.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a solar power generationoperation of an air conditioner including a solar cell according to athird embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective viewillustrating a stop of the solar power generation operation of the airconditioner including the solar cell according to the third embodiment,and FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the stop of the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the third embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, a solar cell panel 42 of the currentembodiment includes a plurality of parts (for example, first and secondparts 421 and 422). The plurality of parts 421 and 422 are rotatablyconnected to each other so that the plurality of parts 421 and 422 canbe folded. In detail, the plurality of parts 421 and 422 are rotatablyconnected by using a hinge.

Two panel connection parts 43 are provided on ends of both sides of thesolar cell panel 42. Each of the two panel connection parts 43 includesa first connection part 431 rotatably connected to the first part 421 ofthe plurality of parts 421 and 422 and an outdoor unit 10, and a secondconnection part 432 rotatably connected to the second part 422 of theplurality of parts 421 and 422 and the outdoor unit 10.

Therefore, the solar cell panel 42 can be switched between a firstdisposition in which power generation regions 423 of the solar cellpanel 42 are exposed to the sun and a second disposition in which thepower generation regions 423 are not exposed to the sun. That is, if thesolar cell panel 42 is in the first disposition, the plurality of parts421 and 422 are in an extended state. On the other hand, if the solarcell panel 42 is in the second disposition, the plurality of parts 421and 422 are in a folded state so that the power generation regions 423of the plurality of parts 421 and 422 can face each other.

In more detail, when the solar cell panel 42 is extended, the first part421 is positioned at a front side, and the second part 422 is positionedat a rear side. In a state that the solar cell panel 42 is extended, therear end side of the first part 421 and the front end side of the secondpart 422 are rotatably connected to each other by using a hinge.

When the solar cell panel 42 is extended, the first and second parts 421and 422 are positioned on the topside of the solar cell panel 42 so thatthe power generation regions 423 of the first and second parts 421 and422 can be exposed to the sun. The rear end side of the first part 421and the front end side of the second part 422 are coupled by using ahinge in a manner such that the first and second parts 421 and 422 canbe rotated upward around the rear end side of the first part 421 and thefront end side of the second part 422. That is, when the first andsecond parts 421 and 422 are folded, the power generation regions 423 ofthe first and second parts 421 and 422 face each other.

In addition, the first connection part 431 is rotatably connected to thefront end side of the first part 421 and a side of the outdoor unit 10,and the second connection part 432 is rotatably connected to the rearend side of the second part 422 and the other side of the outdoor unit10. In more detail, an end of the first connection part 431 is rotatablyfixed to the front end side of the first part 421, and the other end ofthe first connection part 431 is rotatably fixed to the side of theoutdoor unit 10. An end of the second connection part 432 is rotatablyfixed to the rear end side of the second part 422, and the other end ofthe second connection part 432 is rotatably fixed to the other side ofthe outdoor unit 10. Here, the other end of the first connection part431 is fixed to the side of the outdoor unit 10 at a position ahead ofthe other end of the second connection part 432. Therefore, five-barlinkage is formed by the outdoor unit 10, the first part 421, the secondpart 422, the first connection part 431, and the second connection part432, and the first and second parts 421 and 422 can be rotated to anextended or folded state.

The plurality of parts 421 and 422 may be connected to each otherthrough an electric wire so that electricity generated in the pluralityof parts 421 and 422 can be transmitted.

The first connection part 431 is shorter than the second connection part432, and the length of the second connection part 432 is greater thanthe length of the lateral side of the second part 422. Therefore, whenthe first and second parts 421 and 422 are extended, the solar cellpanel 42 faces forward and is inclined downwardly to receive more solarlight. In addition, the first and second parts 421 and 422 can berotated in a manner such that the second part 422 can be completelyfolded to the first part 421 and completely unfolded from the first part421.

The first disposition of the solar cell panel 42 is shown in FIGS. 8 and9. The second disposition of the solar cell panel 42 is shown in FIGS.10 and 11.

In the air conditioner 1, the solar cell panel 42 can be switchedbetween the first disposition and the second disposition according tothe operation of the solar cell panel 42, that is, according to thenecessity of power generation at the power generation regions 423. Inmore detail, when the solar cell panel 42 is used, that is, when powergeneration is necessary at the power generation regions 423, the solarcell panel 42 is switched to and kept in the first disposition. Then,both the power generation regions 423 of the first and second parts 421and 422 are exposed to the sun. When the solar cell panel 42 is notused, that is, when power generation is not necessary at the powergeneration regions 423, the solar cell panel 42 is switched to and keptin the second disposition.

In the second disposition, since the first and second parts 421 and 422are folded to face each other, the power generation regions 423 can beprotected from external environments. For example, since the outdoorunit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is usually placed in an outdoor area,the power generation regions 423 of the solar cell panel 42 can bedamaged due to various reasons such as bad weather, rain, and hail. Inthat case, since the amount of incident light is usually small, thesolar cell panel 42 is not used, and the solar cell panel 42 is switchedto and kept in the first disposition to protect the power generationregions 423.

Hereinafter, an explanation will be given of an air conditionerincluding a solar cell according to a fourth embodiment with referenceto the accompanying drawings. Unlike the first embodiment, in thecurrent embodiment, a power generation region of a solar cell panel isselected screened by using a shield so that the light-receiving area ofthe power generation region of the solar cell panel can be varied or thepower generation region of the solar cell panel can be protected. In thecurrent embodiment, the same elements as those of the first embodimentwill not be described again.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a solar power generationoperation of an air conditioner including a solar cell according to afourth embodiment, FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a perspective viewillustrating a stop of the solar power generation operation of the airconditioner including the solar cell according to the fourth embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, a solar cell panel 54 includes a shield 545to selectively screen a power generation region 542.

In detail, the solar cell panel 54 includes a panel 541 configured togenerate electricity from solar light, an accommodation part 543 inwhich the panel 541 is placed, and a shield 545 used to selectivelyexpose the panel 541 to the sun in a state where the panel 541 isaccommodated in the accommodation part 543. The panel 541 is shaped likea rectangular flat plate and includes a power generation region 542configured to generate electricity from incident solar light. The powergeneration region 542 is located on the topside of the panel 541. Theaccommodation part 543 has an inner space in which the panel 541 can beaccommodated. In a state that the panel 541 is accommodated in theaccommodation part 543, the topside of the accommodation part 543 isopened so that the power generation region 542 of the panel 541 can beexposed to the sun.

The shield 545 can be slid along the topside of the accommodation part543 to selectively expose the power generation region 542 to the sun. Inmore detail, guide grooves 544 are formed in inner surfaces of anopening of the topside of the accommodation part 543 along the topsideof the accommodation part 543 to guide the shield 545, such that thepower generation region 542 of the panel 541 can be selective exposedopened to the sun by sliding the shield 545 along the guide grooves 544.A space 547 is formed in the rear and bottom sides of the accommodationpart 543 so that the shield 545 can be selectively accommodated in thespace 547 by sliding the shield 545 into the space 547. Therefore, byselectively placing the shield 545 in the space 547 through the top andrear sides of the accommodation part 543, a space 548 of the panel 541where the panel 541 is accommodated can be selectively opened andclosed. That is, guide grooves 544 may be formed along the rear andbottom sides of the accommodation part 543.

An handle 546 is provided on the topside of the shield 545 so that auser can slide the shield 545 by holding the handle 546.

The solar cell panel 54 is connected to the topside of an outdoor unit10 by a panel connection part 55. In more detail, the panel connectionpart 55 connects the topside of the outdoor unit 10 and the bottom sideof the accommodation part 543. Therefore, the solar cell panel 54 can beconnected to the topside of the outdoor unit 10.

The solar cell panel 54 can be switched between a first disposition inwhich the power generation region 542 of the solar cell panel 54 isexposed to the sun and a second disposition in which the powergeneration region 542 is not exposed to the sun. The first dispositionof the solar cell panel 54 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The seconddisposition of the solar cell panel 54 is shown in FIG. 14.

In more detail, when the solar cell panel 54 is placed in the firstdisposition, the shield 545 may be slid along the guide grooves 544 ofthe accommodation part 543 into the space 547 of the accommodation part543 and kept in the space 547. In addition, when the solar cell panel 54is in the second disposition, the shield 545 may be slid along the guidegrooves 544 of the accommodation part 543 to screen the opening of thetopside of the accommodation part 543. That is, when the solar cellpanel 54 is placed in the first disposition, the space 548 of theaccommodation part 543 where the panel 541 is accommodated is notscreened by the shield 545 so that the power generation region 542 canbe exposed to the sun. In addition, when the solar cell panel 54 isplaced in the first disposition, the space 548 of the accommodation part543 where the panel 541 is accommodated is screened by the shield 545 sothat the power generation region 542 cannot be exposed to the sun.

Therefore, when the solar cell panel 54 is not used, that is, when powergeneration at the power generation region 542 is not necessary, thesolar cell panel 54 is switched to the second disposition to protect thepower generation region 542 from external environments. In more detail,when power generation at the power generation region 542 is notnecessary, the shield 545 screens the power generation region 542 of thesolar cell panel 54 so that the power generation region 542 can beprotected from external environments.

Hereinafter, an explanation will be given of an air conditionerincluding a solar cell according to a fifth embodiment with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Unlike the first embodiment, in the currentembodiment, a solar cell panel can be turned over to vary thelight-receiving area of the solar cell panel or protect a powergeneration region of the solar cell panel. In the current embodiment,the same elements as those of the first embodiment will not be describedagain.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a solar power generationoperation of an air conditioner including a solar cell according to afifth embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the solarpower generation operation of the air conditioner including the solarcell according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective viewillustrating a stop of the solar power generation operation of the airconditioner including the solar cell according to the fifth embodiment,and FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating the stop of the solar powergeneration operation of the air conditioner including the solar cellaccording to the fifth embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, according to the current embodiment, asolar cell panel 66 can be rotated upside down according to whether thesolar cell panel 66 is used or not, and panel connection parts 67connect the solar cell panel 66 to the topside of an outdoor unit 10.The solar cell panel 66 can be switched between a first disposition inwhich the power generation region 663 of the solar cell panel 66 isexposed to the sun and a second disposition in which the powergeneration region 663 is disposed in a direction opposite to the sun(that is, in a direction forward the outdoor unit 10).

In detail, two panel connection parts 67 are provided which areconnected to the solar cell panel 66 and ends of both sides of theoutdoor unit 10. The panel connection parts 67 are rotatably fixed torear ends of both sides of the outdoor unit 10. The panel connectionparts 67 may have a fan shape and be centered on points fixed to therear ends of both sides of the outdoor unit 10.

In addition, front upper ends of the panel connection parts 67 arerotatably connected to the solar cell panel 66. At this time, at leastone of a length from the front end of the solar cell panel 66 to a pointof the solar cell panel 66 connected to the panel connection part 67 anda length from the point to the rear end of the solar cell panel 66 isshorter than a length from the rotation center of the panel connectionpart 67 (that is, a first point 671 of the panel connection part 67connected to the outdoor unit 10) to a second point 672 of the panelconnection part 67 connected to the solar cell panel 66. Therefore, thepower generation region 663 and a power non-generation region 664 of thesolar cell panel 66 can be freely turned over.

In addition, a coupling part is provided at a third point 673 of thepanel connection part 67 which corresponds to a lateral front end of theoutdoor unit 10 when the solar cell panel 66 is placed in the firstdisposition, and a coupling part is provided at a fourth point 674 ofthe panel connection part 67 which corresponds to the lateral frond endof the outdoor unit 10 when the solar cell panel 66 is placed in thesecond disposition.

The coupling parts may be coupling holes, and additional couplingmembers may be inserted into the outdoor unit 10 through the couplingholes. That is, when the solar cell panel 66 is placed in the firstdisposition, the solar cell panel 66 may be fixed to the outdoor unit 10by inserting a coupling member into a coupling hole formed in the thirdpoint 673 of the panel connection part 67 and a side of the outdoor unit10. In addition, when the solar cell panel 66 is placed in the seconddisposition, the solar cell panel 66 may be fixed to the outdoor unit 10by inserting a coupling member into a coupling hole formed in the fourthpoint 674 of the panel connection part 67 and the side of the outdoorunit 10.

A support part 665 may be provided on the power non-generation region664, that is, on a side opposite to the power generation region 663, tosupport the solar cell panel 66 when the solar cell panel 66 is in thefirst disposition. When the solar cell panel 66 is in the firstdisposition, the support part 665 makes contact with the topside of theoutdoor unit 10 so that the solar cell panel 66 can be kept at a presetangle. For example, if it is necessary that the power generation region663 of the solar cell panel 66 faces forward at an upward angle of 45,the support part 665 may have a triangular sectional shape both sides ofwhich make an angle of 45 with the power generation region 663. In thiscase, when the solar cell panel 66 is in the first disposition, sinceone side of the support part 665 makes contact with the topside of theoutdoor unit 10, the power generation region 663 of the solar cell panel66 can face forward at an upward angle of 45.

The first arrangement of the solar cell panel 66 is shown in FIGS. 15and 16. The second arrangement of the solar cell panel 66 is shown inFIGS. 17 and 18. That is, when the solar cell panel 66 is in the firstdisposition, the power generation region 663 is kept to face the sun,and when the solar cell panel 66 is in the second disposition, the powergeneration region 663 is kept to face a side opposite to the sun, thatis, the topside of the outdoor unit 10.

According to the air conditioner 1, when the solar cell panel 66 is notused, that is, when power generation at the power generation region 663is not necessary, the solar cell panel 66 is placed in the seconddisposition so that the power generation region 663 can be protectedfrom external environments. In more detail, when the solar cell panel 66is not used, since the power generation region 663 of the solar cellpanel 66 is kept to face the outdoor unit 10 (faces downward), the powergeneration region 663 can be prevented from being damaged by variouscauses such as rain and hail.

1. An air conditioner with a solar cell, the air conditioner comprising:an outdoor unit configured to exchange heat with outdoor air; and asolar cell panel disposed at a side of the outdoor unit and comprising aplurality of parts that are relatively movable, the plurality of partscomprising power generation regions configured to generate electricityfrom solar light, wherein as the plurality of parts are moved relativelyto each other, areas of the power generation regions exposed to the sunare varied.
 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of parts comprise a first part and a second part that areconnected to each other and slidable relative to each other, wherein asthe first and second parts are slid, the areas of the power generationregions of the first and second parts exposed to the sun are varied. 3.The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein one of the powergeneration regions of the first and second parts is screened in aminimum light-receiving power generation operation, and all the powergeneration regions of the first and second parts are exposed to the sunin a maximum light-receiving power generation operation.
 4. The airconditioner according to claim 2, further comprising a panel connectionpart configured to connect the solar cell panel to the outdoor unit,wherein the panel connection part comprises a guide part configured toguide sliding directions of the first and second parts.
 5. The airconditioner according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of parts of thesolar cell panel are rotatable relative to each other, and as theplurality of parts are rotated, the areas of the power generationregions of the plurality of parts exposed to the sun are varied.
 6. Theair conditioner according to claim 5, further comprising: a panelconnection part configured to connect the solar cell panel to theoutdoor unit; and a hinge part configured to connect the plurality ofparts, wherein the panel connection part comprises: a first connectionpart configured to rotatably connect a first part of the plurality ofparts to the outdoor unit; and a second connection part configured torotatably connect a second part of the plurality of parts to the outdoorunit.
 7. The air conditioner according to 5, wherein the plurality ofparts comprise first to third parts which are foldable on one another byrotating the first to third parts; in a minimum light-receiving powergeneration operation, the power generation regions of the first andsecond parts are screened by rotating the first and second parts to afolded state, and the power generation region of the third part isexposed to the sun; and in a maximum light-receiving power generationoperation, all the first to third parts are rotated to an extended statesuch that all the power generation regions of the first to third partsare exposed to the sun.
 8. The air conditioner according to claim 1,wherein as the plurality of parts are moved relative to each other, thesolar cell panel is selectively switched to one of a first dispositionwhere the power generation regions of the plurality of parts are exposedto the sun and a second disposition where the power generation regionsof the plurality of parts are not exposed to the sun.
 9. The airconditioner according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of parts of thesolar cell panel are rotatable to a folded state, and the plurality ofparts are kept in an extended state in the first disposition and arekept in the folded state in the second disposition.
 10. The airconditioner according to claim 9, wherein the power generation regionsof the plurality of parts are exposed to the sun in the firstdisposition, and the plurality of parts are folded in the seconddisposition such that the power generation regions of the plurality ofparts face each other.
 11. The air conditioner according to claim 8,wherein the solar cell panel is rotatably connected to the outdoor unit,in the first disposition, the solar cell panel is kept in a rotatedstate where the power generation regions are exposed to the sun, and inthe second disposition, the solar cell panel is kept in a rotated statewhere the power generation regions face the outdoor unit.
 12. The airconditioner according to 11, further comprising a panel connection partconfigured to connect the solar cell panel to the outdoor unit, whereina point of the panel connection part is rotatably connected to theoutdoor unit, and the other point of the panel connection part isrotatably connected to the solar cell panel.
 13. An air conditioner witha solar cell, the air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit configuredto exchange heat with outdoor air; and a solar cell panel connected tothe outdoor unit and comprising a power generation region configured togenerate electricity from solar light, the solar cell panel beingselectively switched to one of a first disposition where the powergeneration region is exposed to the sun and a second disposition wherethe power generation region is not exposed to the sun.
 14. The airconditioner according to claim 13, wherein the solar cell panelcomprises a plurality of parts that are rotatable to a folded stated,wherein the plurality of parts are kept in an extended state in thefirst disposition, and the plurality of parts are kept in the foldedstate in the second disposition.
 15. The air conditioner according toclaim 14, wherein respective power generation regions of the pluralityof parts are exposed to the sun in the first disposition, and the powergeneration regions of the plurality of parts are folded to face eachother in the second disposition.
 16. The air conditioner according toclaim 14, further comprising: a hinge part configured to connect theplurality of parts; and a panel connection part configured to connectthe solar cell panel to the outdoor unit, wherein the panel connectionpart comprises: a first connection part configured to rotatably connecta first part of the plurality of parts and the outdoor unit; and asecond connection part configured to rotatably connect a second part ofthe plurality of parts and the outdoor unit.
 17. The air conditioneraccording to claim 13, further comprising a shield configured toselectively screen the power generation region, wherein in the firstdisposition, the shield is kept in an opened state such that the powergeneration region is exposed to the sun, and in the second disposition,the shield is kept in a state where the shield screens the powergeneration region.
 18. The air conditioner according to claim 17,wherein the power generation region is selectively screened by slidingthe shield along an outer surface of the solar cell panel.
 19. The airconditioner according to claim 13, wherein the solar cell panel isrotatably connected to the outdoor unit, wherein in the firstdisposition, the solar cell panel is kept in a rotated state where thepower generation region is exposed to the sun, and in the seconddisposition, the solar cell panel is kept in a rotated state where thepower generation region faces the outdoor unit.
 20. The air conditioneraccording to claim 19, further comprising a panel connection partconfigured to connect the solar cell panel to the outdoor unit, whereina point of the panel connection part is rotatably connected to theoutdoor unit, and the other point of the panel connection part isrotatably connected to the solar cell panel.